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How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For a Credit Card?

Exactly how long it takes to get approved for a credit card varies depending on the card issuer, your creditworthiness, and the application process.

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Updated March 1, 2024
Written by Rachel Alulis
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Key takeaways

  • The time it takes to be approved for a credit card can vary widely from instantly to a week. It depends largely on the issuer’s process and how the application was submitted.
  • Many credit card issuers offer instant approval for online applications. This quick process is facilitated by automated systems that assess creditworthiness almost instantly.
  • Approval may be delayed if further review of the application is needed. This may occur if the applicant has a complex credit history or if additional verification of information is required.

Getting approved for a credit card is an important step in personal finance. A credit card lets you buy items you need and pay for them over time, is the easiest way to improve your score, and some even let you earn rewards. Credit cards are an essential part of modern life, but how long does it take to get approved for a credit card? And how does the approval process work?

Let’s find out!

Jump to:

Understanding the credit card approval process

Before discussing the exact times, we must understand the different steps to the application process.

  1. Application submission: Fill out the application online or in person. You will have to give basic personal and financial information like your full name, social security number, and address and agree to a hard credit check.
  2. Credit check: Once you send in your application, the company will conduct a hard inquiry. They will look at your credit report, score, and other financial details to see if you meet their requirements.
  3. Screening: The issuer will conduct a more thorough look at your finances, income, employment status, and current debt levels.
  4. Decision: The company will make its decision and notify you by mail, email, or through your online account with the provider. If accepted, you will be told about your limit, interest rate, and other terms.

While the answer to how long it takes to get approved for a credit card varies, most applicants can expect a decision relatively quickly thanks to advances in technology and data verification. If you have a good score you are likely to get approved faster, while people with lower scores may have to wait longer or be turned down. If the issuer needs to check your name, income, or other details, this may take longer to approve.

If you’re applying for a credit card online, the approval process can be incredibly quick, sometimes instant, if your information is straightforward and verifies easily. Mailing in a paper application or applying in person takes longer.

Want a new card and tired of rejections?

Read 10 Tips for Getting Your Credit Card Application Approved!

How long does it take to receive a replacement credit card?

If you lose your card or find that someone has made fraudulent charges to your account, you should immediately call your provider to freeze it and get a new one. This will prevent further fraudulent charges.

Most credit card companies will send the new one to you wherever you are straight away. So if you need a replacement card while traveling, just give them your hotel information and it will be shipped there.

How long it takes to get a new card varies by credit card issuer, but in most cases, it’s less than a week. If you need a new one faster than that, check to see if they offer an expedited delivery option or can give you instant access to your new number.

Choose a card that offers instant access to credit

Having instant buying power is appealing. Many issuers offer this perk by giving you your number as soon as you’re approved and agree to the terms and conditions. This lets you use it for online shopping. You can also add it to your digital wallet and use it at a growing number of retailers.

How long does it take for a credit card to arrive in the mail?

Once your application is approved and you agree to the terms, the issuer will send you your physical card. Most cards take seven to ten business days to arrive. The exact time depends on the financial institution. You may be able to get expedited shipping if you need it right away.

Read more about credit cards!

Why is my credit card application pending?

Sometimes, lenders need more time to decide whether to approve or reject an application. A few common explanations are:

  1. The provider may have more applications than they can handle at once. This is a likely explanation if it comes with unique benefits or a lucrative sign-up bonus.
  2. You made a mistake on your application and the issuer can’t confirm some personal information. This will hold up your application as they figure it out.
  3. You put a freeze on your credit. This protects you from identity theft but you will need to unfreeze it so that the issuer can access your credit reports.
  4. The provider may need additional information to make sure that you are who you say you are or that the information on your application is correct.

To learn more about your score visit MoneyFor!

credit card application

How long does it take to receive your card?

The exact amount of time it takes to receive your physical card will depend on which one you applied for and how efficient your local postal service is. Generally, it takes 7 to 10 business days. Some issuers will provide faster shipping options. Or let you access it virtually instantly.

How does applying for a credit card impact credit?

Any time you apply for a new account your score will be affected. The impact is mixed, but overall it will be positive if you use it responsibly.

New credit inquiries

Ten percent of your FICO score is based on new inquiries. Any time you apply for credit, the lender will do a hard inquiry. This will drop your score by 5 to 10 points. It should bounce back in a few months to a year.

Length of credit history

When you open a new account, the average age of all your accounts goes down. The length of your credit history accounts for 15% of your FICO score with older being better.

This factor just requires patience. Add new accounts when necessary and don’t close old accounts – unless the fees are too high.

Payment history

Your payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score. A new account gives you another opportunity to consistently pay your bills on time.

Amounts owed

The second biggest factor ringing in at 30% of your FICO score is your credit utilization rate. Experts recommend that you use no more than 30% of your limit.

A new account will increase your total limit and therefore make it easier to have a cumulative low utilization rate.

Credit mix

A new account can also boost your credit mix – 10% of your score – if you’ve only had loans in the past. Lenders like to see that you can handle different types of borrowing – cards and loans.

Don’t go taking on debt you don’t need only to boost your score.

Is a secured or unsecured card right for you?

Find out the difference between secured and unsecured credit cards!

How does credit card approval work?

The company wants to make sure that you can afford a new account. They will look at your report to see your payment history and utilization rate. They will also consider your income, employment status, types of debt you currently have, and the number of applications you’ve sent in recently. Certain issuers will deny applicants with good ratings if they’ve applied for a lot of new accounts within one year or if their debt-to-income ratio is too high.

There are no exact rules that all providers follow. Before you apply, make sure your score calls in the acceptable range and that you’ve established a positive payment history.

Using your new credit card

Once you get a card, you should use it responsibly to keep your finances in good shape. First, know your issuer’s terms and conditions, such as the interest rates, fees, and benefits programs they offer.

Only charge what you can afford to pay for in cash. This will help you pay your balances in full each month and avoid interest charges.

Lots of issuers make it easy for you to keep tabs on your spending through their online portals or mobile apps. Use these services to track your own spending and to quickly spot any transactions that aren’t supposed to be there.

Are you searching for a new card?

Check out credit cards with no deposit required, even for bad credit!

Look for instant approval

A lot of companies offer instant approval cards. With instant approval, you’ll know the outcome of your application in minutes.

To make sure the process works as it’s supposed to, make sure you meet the issuer’s criteria and that you give complete and accurate information on your application. You could also pre-qualify to see how likely it is for you to be approved without affecting your score.

If you receive instant approval, you should still carefully read the terms and conditions, including interest rates, fees, and perks to make sure it fits your budget.

Request expedited shipping

When you need to use your new account immediately and don’t have access to the number, you can request expedited shipping. This speeds up the delivery process so you’ll get it faster but comes with a fee.

Looking for a starter card?

Click here to get your first credit card today!

What’s the difference between instant use and instant approval?

Instant use and instant approval sound very similar but they refer to two different things.

Instant approval means that the company makes a quick choice about your application – usually within a few minutes. You will know whether or not you’ve been approved but it does not give you access to your card right away.

Instant use, on the other hand, means you can use your card immediately after being approved. The issuer will provide you with temporary information or a virtual number that you can use to buy things online or add to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Can I use a credit card before it arrives?

If you can depends on your issuer. Some companies, like American Express, Capital One, and Chase, offer instant use cards. They send you numbers to use online or add to your digital wallet. Some companies provide a fake number that hides your financial information to prevent fraud.

Need more access to cash?

You can get cash from your credit card.

Bottom line

The amount of time it takes to be approved depends on your score, financial information, and the one you choose. If you need one right away, look for a provider whose criteria you meet, offers both instant approval, and instant use cards. Then take the time to fill out your application correctly to do what you can to prevent delays.

The acceptance process can go smoothly if you have a positive payment history, low utilization rate, and choose the right option for your circumstances.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.           Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card issued by Choice Financial Group, and the Current Visa® secured charge card issued by Cross River Bank, are both pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.           Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.
2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.
4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.
5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC
6. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.
7. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.
8. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.
9. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.
10. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.
11. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.
12. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.
13. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
14. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
15. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
16. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
17. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
18. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
19. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
20. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
21. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
22. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
23. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
24. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
25. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
26. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
27. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
28. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
29. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
30. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
31. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
32. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
33. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
34. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
35. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.
36. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.
37. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.
38. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.
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About the author

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.

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